Game No. 8: Los Angeles Angels (3-4) vs. Seattle Mariners (4-2)

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

As much as Los Angeles Angels players will deny it, shaking off Seattle’s opening series sweep is easier said than done. Luckily, they have a chance to ruin the Mariners’ homecoming with a two-game series that begins tonight.

The Halos took three out of four from the Houston Astros over the weekend after receiving solid starts from Garrett Richards, Tyler Skaggs, and C.J. Wilson. Newcomer Hector Santiago looks to continue the trend in his second start as an Angel.

Pitching Matchup– Hector Santiago (0-1) vs. James Paxton (1-0)

Santiago would rather forget last Wednesday’s outing. In fact, he’s never seemed comfortable playing the Mariners, compiling a 4.97 ERA in 12 2/ innings, most coming as a reliever. Santiago’s rocky debut followed the trend as he gave up four runs and three walks in five-plus innings last week. To his advantage, the left-hander has a career 3.00 ERA at Safeco field to go along with a 2.98 ERA on the road.

James Paxton could do no wrong in first-ever start at Angels Stadium. He retired the Angels in order in five of seven innings; hold them to just two hits. The rookie has dazzled opponents since making his major league debut last September. Paxton is 4-0 in his last four outings and carries a miniscule 1.16 ERA in that span. He’s struck out 30 and walked just nine in 31 innings.

Walk offs:

Paxton has limited hitters to a .156 batting average in five career games.
As a team, the Angels batted .296 with five home runs and 29 RBIs in their four-game series with the Astros.
Robinson Cano makes him home debut as a Mariner tonight.

TV: 7:10 p.m. PT, Fox Sports West, ROOT Sports

Radio: KLAA 830, 710 ESPN